Airbus and Toshiba Superconducting Electric MotorAirbus and Toshiba Superconducting Electric Motor. Airbus

Airbus and Toshiba are teaming up to develop a powerful, lightweight, and efficient superconducting electric motor for future aircraft.

This 2-megawatt motor will feature superconducting coils that reduce energy loss and a cryogenic cooling system that uses hydrogen, chilled to -250°C, to keep the system ultra-cool.

The design also includes an insulated chamber for temperature control and a cryogenic motor controller. The motor’s superconducting rotor will have special coils and a rotating cooling system to maintain superconductivity effectively.

Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T, said:

“Partnering with Toshiba presents a unique opportunity to push beyond the limitations of today’s partial superconducting and conventional electrical motors. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a breakthrough technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus’ future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This partnership represents a natural and essential step in advancing superconducting motor technology to meet the needs of the aerospace industry.”

source Airbus